Chinese government plans to open more low-level airspace

The Chinese government is setting up a plan that will open up further low-level airspace for business and general aviation.

The move follows a meeting of the State Council of The People’s Republic of China that was presided over by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on May 4.

In a statement issued on the Council’s English website, the government agreed to open up more low-altitude airspace and streamline approvals for flight missions.

China’s airspace is heavily controlled by the country’s air force, who impose strict rules on operations.

While China’s grip on its airspace affects all types of aircraft operations in the country, it’s the airspace below 1,000 meters that has had the biggest effect on business and general aviation development.

Although small scale trials have been continuing since they were first announced in 2010, the pace of change has been frustratingly slow, with many operators complaining that they aren’t able to compete effectively due to the heavy restrictions that they face.

Alongside the plan to further open up its airspace, the meeting also agree to accelerate the research and development of what it calls ‘Core equipment for general-purpose planes’ as well as helping Chinese companies develop international competitiveness.